Whale Watching Catamaran to Los Gigantes and Masca
Sail Tenerife's dramatic coastline in search of whales, dolphins, and towering volcanic cliffs.
A whale watching catamaran tour from Costa Adeje offers one of the most rewarding ways to experience the Atlantic waters off southern Tenerife, where resident cetaceans share the sea with spectacular geological landmarks.
Departing from Puerto Colon, the catamaran heads toward the towering cliffs of Los Gigantes and the wild Barranco de Masca — two of Tenerife's most iconic natural formations. Along the route, certified guides share in-depth knowledge about the whales and dolphins that inhabit these waters year-round, covering their feeding habits, migration patterns, and social behavior.
The return leg invites guests to unwind on deck, taking in the rugged coastline as the vessel glides back toward Costa Adeje. Warm food, soft drinks, and beer are included, and the operator accommodates vegetarian and celiac dietary needs upon request.
Tour Highlights
Search for resident pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins in their natural Atlantic habitat off southern Tenerife.
Cruise past the dramatic volcanic cliffs of Los Gigantes, rising up to 800 metres directly from the sea.
Explore the remote Barranco de Masca coastline, accessible only by boat and one of the island's most secluded landscapes.
Benefit from commentary by guides specialised in cetacean behaviour and local marine ecology.
Enjoy warm food, soft drinks, and beer included on board, with special menus available for vegetarians and celiacs upon request.
Free shuttle bus service from set pick-up points across Tenerife South is included with every booking.
Itinerary Overview
1
Departure from Puerto Colon
Guests board the catamaran at the port of Puerto Colon in Costa Adeje. After a safety briefing, the vessel sets sail into the open Atlantic.
2
Cetacean Search in Open Waters
The catamaran navigates waters known for resident pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. Specialist guides explain cetacean biology, migration routes, and local conservation efforts throughout this phase.
3
Los Gigantes Cliffs
The tour sails alongside the towering basalt cliffs of Los Gigantes, offering close views of one of the Canary Islands' most striking natural landmarks. The guide provides geological and historical context during this section.
4
Barranco de Masca Coastline
The catamaran passes in front of the wild ravine of Masca, a rugged gorge that meets the sea in a remote cove. This section of the journey is ideal for photography and quiet observation.
5
On-Board Refreshments and Return
Guests enjoy warm food, soft drinks, and beer as the vessel heads back toward Costa Adeje. Sun loungers are available on a first-come, first-served basis for an additional fee.
What Is Included
Included
4.5-hour catamaran excursion from Puerto Colon
Expert cetacean specialist guide
Warm food on board
Soft drinks and beer
Special vegetarian menu (on request)
Special celiac menu (on request)
Free shuttle bus from Tenerife South pick-up points
Not Included
Sun lounger hire (charged separately, first come first served)
Gratuities for the crew or guide
Hotel pick-up if the property is located close to the port
Important Information
Please read the following details carefully before booking. Some conditions affect eligibility and the overall experience.
Duration
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes. The catamaran operates 364 days per year, with the only closure on 1 January.
Meeting Point
The tour departs from Puerto Colon in Costa Adeje. Your specific gate number will be confirmed in the booking confirmation. Free shuttle buses depart from set points across Tenerife South; pick-up is not available from all hotels.
What to Bring
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. A light layer is recommended for the return leg when sea breezes may be cooler.
Cancellation Policy
Please refer to the booking confirmation for the applicable cancellation terms. In the event of adverse weather conditions, the operator may modify or cancel the excursion.
Accessibility
The tour is rated Easy and is suitable for most fitness levels. Guests with mobility limitations should contact the operator in advance to confirm suitability. The catamaran environment involves some movement at sea.
Age Range
The tour welcomes guests of all ages. Children aged 5 to 12 travel at a reduced rate, while infants aged 0 to 4 travel free of charge. Adults are classified as 13 years and above.
Ready to Set Sail?
Secure your place on this popular catamaran excursion and discover the whales, dolphins, and volcanic coastlines of southern Tenerife at their finest.
Are whale and dolphin sightings guaranteed on this tour?▼
Sightings cannot be guaranteed as these are wild animals in their natural habitat. However, Tenerife's southern waters host resident populations of pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, making encounters highly likely throughout the year.
Is food included, and can dietary requirements be accommodated?▼
Yes, warm food, soft drinks, and beer are included in the tour price. Special menus for vegetarians and celiacs are available upon prior request at the time of booking.
Does the free shuttle bus pick up from all hotels in Tenerife South?▼
The shuttle operates from set pick-up points across Tenerife South. Not all hotels are served directly, and properties located close to Puerto Colon port are excluded from the pick-up service. The nearest available stop to your accommodation will be confirmed with your booking.
What languages are spoken by the guides on board?▼
English and Spanish are guaranteed on every departure. Additional languages may be available depending on the guide assigned to the trip, but cannot be guaranteed. Guests are encouraged to inform the guide of their language preference when boarding.
Are sun loungers available on the catamaran?▼
Sun loungers are available on board but are not included in the tour price. They are offered at an additional cost and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of departure.
On which days does the tour operate, and are there any closures?▼
The catamaran departs daily and operates 364 days per year. The only day the tour does not run is 1 January.
This tour operates in the southern waters of Tenerife, departing from Puerto Colon marina in Costa Adeje, one of the Canary Islands' most popular resort areas. The route travels northwest along the coastline toward the municipality of Santiago del Teide, passing the landmark volcanic cliffs of Los Gigantes and the remote ravine of Barranco de Masca. The waters between Costa Adeje and Los Gigantes form part of a protected marine area known for year-round resident populations of short-finned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. This geographical corridor, situated off the southwest coast of Tenerife in the Atlantic Ocean, is considered one of Europe's premier cetacean watching destinations due to its deep, warm waters and stable marine conditions.
Destination: Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain | Departure Port: Puerto Colon, Costa Adeje | Route: Costa Adeje to Los Gigantes and Masca | Activity Type: Whale Watching, Catamaran Boat Tour | Environment: Atlantic Ocean, Coastal Marine | Difficulty: Easy | Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes | Suitable For: Families, Couples, Nature Enthusiasts, Wildlife Lovers | Season: Year-Round (364 days per year)
Gift more than a trip
Extraordinary experiences, beautifully gifted
Give the joy of travel with a ToursXplorer Gift Card. Perfect for every occasion.
